Agent: Amaré wants a say in trade

There is one indication that Suns trade talk involving forward Amaré Stoudemire has not advanced far: His agent has not heard from the Suns about any proposals.

Former National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Charlie Grantham, Stoudemire's new agent this season, equates this portion of trade exploration as fantasy basketball, with the majority of the teams exploring the possibilities. When it gets to reality, Grantham said, he will want Stoudemire to have a say, because he will not want to go just anywhere.

Grantham reiterated that Stoudemire prefers to stay in Phoenix and sign an extension, a topic he won't broach with Suns leaders until the off-season.

"I feel he's a (maximum-salary) player," Grantham said. Stoudemire can't veto a trade, but he could discourage a team with a lack of desire for a long-term commitment.

If the Suns get serious about a trade involving Stoudemire before Thursday's deadline, Grantham expects to be consulted.

"A place that may be a real good deal for them may not be the best place for us," said Grantham, who is in Phoenix. "In that case, we would not be interested in signing an extension. I would think most teams would not want to rent him for a year and a half. They would want him to sign for more years and know that he's interested in staying."

Grantham said he would not discourage a deal with a team based on market size but added that the potential for a team's success would be a factor.

"Every player wants to go where they have a chance to win a championship," he said. "When you're thrust into the position he is, you hope you have some input there."

Grantham became an agent in 2007 and represents New Jersey's Sean Williams. Grantham worked from 1976 to 1995 with the players association, serving 10 years as its executive director. He knew current Suns executive Rick Welts - who previously worked for the NBA - well and worked with current Suns General Manager Steve Kerr and coach Terry Porter, who were player representatives.

"We're sort of in limbo until they feel, 'OK, we need some answers,' " Grantham said. "That may end up being the story, that he's going nowhere. But in a strange way, he gets an early peek at what a free agent like himself would look like on the marketplace.

"He's flattered by the respect level that people have for his talent. That's a good sign for him, whether he's here or somewhere else."

Grantham said both players and management deserve blame for the Suns' "underachieving" ways.

"Do I think they have maximized the use of Amaré Stoudemire?" he asked. "No."